Interesting chatting to Defoe yesterday. Was really licking his lips at the prospect of the game.

Think he’s genuinely looking forward to it and team-mates have been telling him how this will be another beast altogether than the North London derby.

3) John Price, from Hetton, wants to know whether Dick Advocaat has ever experienced a Wear-Tyne Derby before? What is he expecting?

CY: Don’t think Advocaat has ever been to a Wear-Tyne derby as a spectator. But I think it’s crucial that he was in charge at Rangers for four years and will have experienced a similarly hostile environment in the Old Firm.

That’s on a par with this rivalry, so don’t think it will phase him.

4) How important is the return of Lee Cattermole to the Sunderland side, Chris?

CY: As we saw in the first two months of 2015 when he’s injured, Cattermole is a huge player for Sunderland.

I spoke to a scout of another PL club a few weeks back and he reckoned he hadn’t seen a better defensive midfielder all season.

He’s the player who makes Sunderland tick - on and off the pitch.

5) John, from Sunderland, wanted to know whether the Black Cats will have benefited from the international break and Advocaat having some time to work with players?

CY: I think the international break came at a good time, particularly considering there’s not been too many who’ve gone away with their countries, plus O’Shea and Fletcher were back training yesterday.

Advocaat will at least have had chance to draw breath, watch some more videos and get to grips with his squad

6) John Mennear, from Hartlepool, asked via Facebook whether Stephen Fletcher can bring his international success to Sunday’s derby game?

CY: It’s an interesting one on Fletcher. Gibraltor are probably Conference-standard opposition at best. But a goal is a goal and getting three of them after not scoring since November, can’t do him any harm.

I actually thought Fletcher played a lot better at West Ham, so hopefully he’s coming into some form.

7) What do you make of the decision to stage the game at 4pm on Easter Sunday?

CY: Surprising decision that the police’s concerns didn’t see it moved earlier, particularly considering it’s a Bank Holiday weekend.

I think this one will be a litmus test over whether the game can be moved away from that lunchtime slot.

And finally...a prediction Chris?

CY: I’ll go for a 1-0 Sunderland victory. I fancy Steven Fletcher for the winner.

To read the full transcript from the live Q&A with Chris Young click here